Precision Industries rifle

[Jim K]

I recently saw a little .22 rifle made by "PRECISION IND. ARMS DIV. OZ, MO."

The gun looks like a pump action rifle or air rifle, but is really a single shot .22. The "pump" forearm and barrel pivot aside to expose the chamber. When loaded, the barrel is pivoted back and the straight drive striker cocked by a side handle. Firing is conventional and there is no safety. When the front part is pivoted aside, the "pump" forearm is pulled back to activate the extractor.

I will try to get pics but this was a new one on me and I thought I would run it by the experts.

Jim

 

[SDC]

Sounds like an interesting rifle, and possibly related to the Daisy VL; I found a page (without pics, unfortunately) that sounds like it may be describing what you're talking about. They claim it's a "Mountain Arms Wildcat", and say that the design was later purchased by Precision Industries of Ozark, Missouri, which apparently made the one you saw. I'd certainly like to see pics, if you can get them.
http://www.milesfortis.us/church/akc14.htm

 

[Zeeemu]

I bought several of those rifles at the Ozark Missouri factory in the late 70's, thinking they could be useful when backpacking. As reported, trigger pull is sort of rough and long but usable I suppose in a survival situation. Fortunately I've never encountered the need so haven't fired one. A few were given as presents but I still have a couple in unused original condition. For me the most interesting part of the story is their construction. The factory manager told me the receiver was formed from sintered metal powder, presumably using high temperature and pressure. Other than that I don't know much about them. If nothing else they are curiously interesting.

 

[Jim K]

I am hitting my head on the wall out of stupidity. I was wondering about "OZ, Missouri", thinking of the Emerald City and Dorothy. I should have known it was an abbreviation for Ozark. I will try to get pics ASAP but first daughter has my digital camera (the only one I use any more - gave up on film years ago).

Jim

 

[kiawahman]

Rau Ozark Wildcat

Just found one of the breakdown models at a local gun store for $99 in very nice condition. Has the plastic butt stock and wood fore grip. Very interesting firearm, and I'm about to be the owner.

Check out these sights;

http://www.milesfortis.us/church/akc14.htm (the pics won't come up but the data is good).

This has even more history about them;

http://books.google.com/books?id=QK...&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result

Soon as I get this one home I'll post pics.

 

[krs]

"The factory manager told me the receiver was formed from sintered metal powder, presumably using high temperature and pressure."

That would be MIM or metal injection molding/metal injection machining depending who's telling it.

About the time of those little rifles MIM must have seemed like a revolutionary process. It's very commonplace now.

 

[mio]

wasnt at on targert was it kiawahman?

 

[kiawahman]

Yes, it's still at On Target too. I've been buying more useful firearms & ammo at the moment.

 

[Tickhill]

Wildcat

I have this rifle original box, and the newspaper they wrapped it in. It shoots great. Super acccurate. I purchased it new from the factory. I lived in Ozark and knew a boss there. He told me they were only making 1000 of these. There is no plastic butt. It's all wood. Walnut I believe. This rifle made in Ozark, Mo. is not the wildcat made by Rau Arms. I posted a pic. Hope it works.

 

[Jim K]

Sintered iron was a predecessor to MIM, but the two processes are not the same and the latter makes a much stronger product.

Jim

 

[pgpostman]

Wildcat .22

Mine is identical to the photo shown by "Tickhill"... Mine does have a plastic stock and pump... however; mine is a single shot , that to load the weapon you have to twist the barrel and the barrel portion including the pump action turns 45 degrees from the stock portion of the lower receiver where you put in the round and then close it and fire!!! I always thought it was a BB gun of sorts, till I figured it out!

 

[coleyoungeroutlaw]

Wildcat 22

My son in law showed me a rifle that we got from his grandfather marked Wildcat 22 s l lr on the barrel. We have turned it over six ways from Sunday but can't find a serial number or manufacturing mark. Seems to be in decent shape, but missing the screw to hold the rear sight in place. Any info on screw size and pitch would be helpful as would where to look for s/n on gun. This is the non take down version with walnut stock. Happy trails! Cole

 

[Digger Odell]

My son in law showed me a rifle that we got from his grandfather marked Wildcat 22 s l lr on the barrel. We have turned it over six ways from Sunday but can't find a serial number or manufacturing mark. Seems to be in decent shape, but missing the screw to hold the rear sight in place. Any info on screw size and pitch would be helpful as would where to look for s/n on gun. This is the non take down version with walnut stock. Happy trails! Cole

Ref to screw size & pitch, if you are unable to find you might try using modeling clay or beeswax shaped roughly to size but slightly over size, make a larger area at top like thumbscrew for ease in using. Firm up material in the freezer then screw into hole & remove & you should be able to mic dia. & use gauge for pitch or count to find out size needed. This method has worked for me & it is soft enough not to damage the threads. Upon removing from hole you may want to put back in freezer to make it easier to handle when measuring. It may take more then one try. Good luck with your endeavor which everway you choose to go.
............keep your powder dry.

 

[erniea]

I worked at the Ozark plant untill it closed and it's my understanding that some
parts were sold for scrap.
later found some guns assmebled from these parts.
serial numbers were not stamped on these guns.